Kamala Hampana


Kamala Hampana was an Indian writer who wrote in the Kannada language. Born in Devanahalli in Karnataka, she worked as a scholar and professor of ancient works and undertook studies on different genres of Kannada literature, as well as topics involving Jainism.

Background

Kamala Hampana was born on 28 October 1935, in Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka to C. Rangadhamanayak and Lakshmamma couple. Kamala's elementary schooling started in Challakere, Karnataka and continued in different villages. In 1953, as a high-school student she completed her SSLC at Tumkur. She continued her college studies in Mysore. During 1955-1958, from University of Mysore she obtained a B.A degree and an M.A degree in the Kannada language. She was conferred a Ph.D. degree for her thesis on Turanga Bhaarata.
Kamala Hampana was married to Hampa Nagarajaiah, also a veteran litterateur in Kannada. The couple had two daughters and a son. She died in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 22 June 2024, at the age of 88.

Career

In 1959, Hampana started with the profession as Kannada teacher and worked as a Principal at the Government First Grade College, Vijayanagar, Bangalore and then as a Professor at the Maharani Colleges of Bangalore and Maharaja's College, Mysore.
Upon her retirement from the Government Service, she worked as a Professor in Department of Jainism, Natural Studies, President of Mysore University and President and Visiting Professor of Hampi University. Her research on female sensibility has earned her immense fame.
In her writings, she provided a deep insight into Jain works.

Literary works

Hampana's areas of works include ancient Kannada literature, Jainology and textual criticism. She was involved in the Dalit movement and the women’s movement in Karnataka. Kamala published more than fifty books in various genres of literature such as literary criticism, poetry, fiction and biography.
Hampana's important publications are:

Story compilation (ಕಥಾಸಂಕಲನ)

  • Nekkitu Haalina Battalu
  • Rekke Muriditthu
  • Chandana
  • Bavane

Research

  • Thuranga Bharata – Ondu Addhyayana
  • Shantinaatha
  • Adharsha Jaina Mahileyaru
  • Anekanathavaada
  • Naadu Nudi Naavu
  • jaina Saahitya Parisara
  • Baddavana
  • Roonada Basadi
  • Mahamandaleshwari Rani Chennabhairadevi Mattu Ithra Karavali Raniyaru

Review, rational

  • Baasinga
  • Baandala
  • Badabaagni
  • Bittara
  • Bonbala
  • Gunadamkakaarti Attimabbe
  • Attimabbe and Chalukyas

Editing works

  • Sukumaara Chariteya Sangraha
  • Bharatesha Vaibhava
  • K. S. Dharanedraih's Smriti grantha
  • Sree Pacche
  • Sahastraabhisheka
  • Chavundaraya Purana
  • Dr D.N. Narasimhacharya's chosen articles
  • Haleya Gadya Saahithya
  • Daanachintamani - Smaranachintane)
  • jaina Dharma
  • Suvrna Bhaarathi- Part-3
  • jaina kathakosha
  • Shodasha Bhavana Kavya

Introduction to life

  • Mahaveerara Jeevana Sandesha
  • Mudimallige
  • Aa Mukha

Vachana Sankalana

  • Bindali
  • Bugadi

Children's books

  • Akkamahadevi
  • Helavanakatte Giriyamma
  • Veeravanithe Obavva
  • Janna
  • Chikkavarigaagi Chithradurga
  • Dr B.R. Ambedkar
  • Mualabagilu
  • Makkalodane Maathukathe

Translation

  • Beejakshara Maale - Saraswati Baigiri's melody of 65 verses written in Telugu.
  • Jaathi Nirmoolane - Translation of Dr. Ambedkar's Annihilation of caste
  • Bharatadalli Jathigalu
  • Asiada Hanathegalu
  • jaanthi Mimase

Akashavaani drama - metaphors

  • Baluku
  • Banaadi
  • Bellakki

Autobiography

  • Beru-Benki-Bilalu

Awards and recognition

Kamala Hampana received the following awards and citations: